Honolulu
Ho-no-lu-lu
Usage
Capital city of Hawaii
Grammar Note
Means "sheltered bay" in Hawaiian
Waikīkī
Wai-kī-kī
Waikiki
Usage
Famous beach area in Honolulu
Grammar Note
Means "spouting water" in Hawaiian
Maui
Mau-i
Usage
Second largest Hawaiian island
Grammar Note
Named after the demigod Maui of Polynesian mythology
Haleakalā
Ha-le-a-ka-lā
Usage
Maui's dormant volcano and national park
Grammar Note
Means "house of the sun" in Hawaiian
Kauaʻi
Kau-aʻi
Usage
One of Hawaii's oldest islands, known as the "Garden Isle"
Grammar Note
Said to mean "the season of food" in Hawaiian
Puʻu ʻŌʻō
Pu-ʻu ʻŌ-ʻō
Puʻu ʻŌʻō Volcano
Usage
One of the active volcanic vents on Hawaiʻi Island
Grammar Note
puʻu means hill or volcanic mound in Hawaiian
Nā Pali
Nā Pa-li
Nā Pali Coast
Usage
Dramatic cliffs on Kauaʻi; famous for hiking and boat tours
Grammar Note
nā is the plural definite article; pali means cliff or steep ridge
Waimea
Wai-me-a
Usage
A canyon town on Kauaʻi, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific
Grammar Note
Means "reddish water" in Hawaiian, referring to the river color
Pearl Harbor
Perl Har-bor
Usage
Historic harbor on Oʻahu; originally called Puʻuloa in Hawaiian
Grammar Note
The Hawaiian name Puʻuloa means "long hill"
Molokaʻi
Mo-lo-ka-ʻi
Molokaʻi Island
Usage
The most unspoiled and quiet island in the Hawaiian chain
Grammar Note
Etymology is debated; "flowing water" is the most common interpretation
Oʻahu
Oahu
Usage
Island of the state capital Honolulu, home to about 70% of the state's population and the main international gateway. Signage usually drops the ʻokina and writes Oahu
Hawaiʻi
Hawaii Island
Hawaiʻi Island
Usage
The largest island; called Hawaiʻi Island or the Big Island in English to avoid confusion with the state. Holds Kīlauea, Hilo and Kona
Lānaʻi
Lanai
Usage
Small island west of Maui with about 3,000 residents and no traffic lights. The airport code and road signs write it Lanai without the ʻokina
Niʻihau
Niihau
Usage
Privately owned island southwest of Kauaʻi with a community that speaks Hawaiian daily. Landing requires the owners' permission and is closed to general visitors
Kahoʻolawe
Kahoolawe
Usage
Uninhabited island southwest of Maui, managed as the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve. Access is by permit only and unexploded ordnance remains in some areas
Papahānaumokuākea
Papahanaumokuakea
Usage
Marine national monument covering the islands and waters northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands; a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry is by permit only and not open to tourism
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
HNL Honolulu
Usage
Hawaii's largest airport, in Honolulu on Oʻahu; code HNL. Formerly Honolulu International Airport, and the hub for most interisland flights
Kahului Airport
OGG Kahului
Usage
Maui's main airport at Kahului; code OGG. Rental car counters and the Honolulu shuttle flights are concentrated here
Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole
KOA Kona Keahole
Usage
Airport at Keāhole on the west coast of Hawaiʻi Island; code KOA. Gateway to the Kona and Kohala resorts. Signs often drop the kahakō and write Keahole
Līhuʻe Airport
LIH Lihue
Usage
Kauaʻi's only commercial airport, at Līhuʻe; code LIH. Signage writes Lihue without the ʻokina or kahakō
Hilo International Airport
ITO Hilo
Usage
Airport on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island at Hilo; code ITO. Mostly interisland service, and the closest airport to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Molokaʻi Airport
MKK Molokai Hoolehua
Usage
Molokaʻi's airport at Hoʻolehua; code MKK. Served mainly by small turboprop flights from Honolulu and Maui
Lānaʻi Airport
LNY Lanai
Usage
Lānaʻi's airport, code LNY, southwest of Lānaʻi City, served by small aircraft from Honolulu
Skyline
Skyline Honolulu rail
Usage
Oʻahu's elevated rail line, running from the Kapolei side toward Honolulu. Every station carries a Hawaiian place name with an English nickname alongside it. It does not yet reach downtown or Waikīkī
Kualakaʻi
Kualakai East Kapolei
Kualakaʻi (East Kapolei)
Usage
Western terminus of Skyline, in East Kapolei on west Oʻahu. The platform sign reads Kualakaʻi (East Kapolei)
Keoneʻae
Keoneae UH West Oahu
Keoneʻae (UH West Oʻahu)
Usage
Skyline station serving the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu campus; signed as UH West Oʻahu alongside the Hawaiian name
Honouliuli
Honouliuli Hoopili
Honouliuli (Hoʻopili)
Usage
Skyline station at the Hoʻopili development in west Oʻahu. Honouliuli is the traditional ahupuaʻa name for the area
Hōʻaeʻae
Hoaeae West Loch
Hōʻaeʻae (West Loch)
Usage
Skyline station in the West Loch area on the western side of Pearl Harbor, signed as West Loch alongside the Hawaiian name
Pouhala
Pouhala Waipahu Transit Center
Pouhala (Waipahu Transit Center)
Usage
Skyline station in the town of Waipahu, connected to the Waipahu Transit Center for bus transfers
Hālaulani
Halaulani Leeward Community College
Hālaulani (Leeward Community College)
Usage
Skyline station serving Leeward Community College
Waiawa
Waiawa Pearl Highlands
Waiawa (Pearl Highlands)
Usage
Skyline station at Pearl Highlands with a park-and-ride garage
Kalauao
Kalauao Pearlridge
Kalauao (Pearlridge)
Usage
Skyline station in the Pearlridge area of ʻAiea, signed as Pearlridge alongside the Hawaiian name
Hālawa
Halawa Aloha Stadium
Hālawa (Aloha Stadium)
Usage
Skyline station at Aloha Stadium. Not to be confused with Hālawa Valley on Molokaʻi
Makalapa
Makalapa Pearl Harbor
Makalapa (Pearl Harbor)
Usage
Skyline station on the naval base side of Pearl Harbor, the access point for the Pearl Harbor visitor sites
Lelepaua
Lelepaua Airport
Lelepaua (Airport)
Usage
Skyline station adjoining Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, signed as Airport alongside the Hawaiian name
Āhua
Ahua Lagoon Drive
Āhua (Lagoon Drive)
Usage
Skyline station in the business district along Lagoon Drive, east of the airport
Kahauiki
Kahauiki Middle Street
Kahauiki (Middle Street)
Usage
Eastern terminus of Skyline, connected to the Middle Street Transit Center; transfer to a bus here for downtown or Waikīkī
Honolulu Harbor
Honolulu Harbor Aloha Tower
Usage
The state's main port, on the west side of downtown Honolulu. The Aloha Tower clock tower marks it and cruise ships dock here
Kahului Harbor
Ka-hu-lu-i Harbor
Usage
Maui's only deep-draft harbor, handling cargo and cruise ships. About 10 minutes by car from the airport
Nāwiliwili
Nawiliwili Harbor
Nāwiliwili Harbor
Usage
Kauaʻi's main harbor at Līhuʻe, where cruise ships dock. Signs usually drop the kahakō and write Nawiliwili
Hilo Harbor
Hi-lo Harbor
Usage
Harbor at Hilo on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island, the only east-side cruise port and a starting point for volcano park tours
Kawaihae
Kawaihae Harbor
Kawaihae Harbor
Usage
Cargo harbor on the Kohala coast in northwest Hawaiʻi Island, near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Māʻalaea
Maalaea Harbor
Māʻalaea Harbor
Usage
Small-boat harbor in west-central Maui; whale-watching and Molokini tour boats leave from here. Signs read Maalaea
Mānele
Manele Harbor
Mānele Harbor
Usage
Small harbor on the south shore of Lānaʻi and the island's sea gateway, used by the passenger ferry to and from Maui
Kaunakakai
Kau-na-ka-kai
Usage
Molokaʻi's main town and port, with the island's shops, bank and groceries; its long wharf serves as the harbor
Lēʻahi
Leahi Diamond Head
Lēʻahi (Diamond Head)
Usage
Volcanic crater at the east end of Waikīkī; its Hawaiian name is Lēʻahi and it is a state monument. Hiking requires an advance reservation, and signs mostly read Diamond Head
Ala Moana
A-la Mo-a-na
Usage
District just west of Waikīkī with Honolulu's largest shopping complex and Ala Moana Beach Park, a calm shallow beach. A major bus interchange
Mānoa
Manoa
Usage
Valley north of downtown Honolulu, home to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the Mānoa Falls trail. Frequent rain and rainbows
Nuʻuanu Pali
Nuuanu Pali
Usage
Cliff pass separating Honolulu from Oʻahu's windward coast, with a lookout over the Kāneʻohe side. Extremely windy; signs read Nuuanu Pali
Kailua
Kailua Oahu
Kailua, Oʻahu
Usage
Town on Oʻahu's windward coast, known for the white sand of Kailua Beach and Lanikai. Note the same name exists as Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island
Kāneʻohe
Kaneohe
Usage
Largest town on Oʻahu's windward coast; Kāneʻohe Bay in front of it is known for sandbar tours. Signs read Kaneohe
Lāʻie
Laie
Usage
Town on Oʻahu's northeast coast, home to the Polynesian Cultural Center and BYU–Hawaiʻi. About an hour by car from Honolulu
Haleʻiwa
Haleiwa
Usage
Main town of Oʻahu's North Shore and a surfing hub, known for its old wooden storefronts and shave ice. Signs read Haleiwa
Kapolei
Ka-po-lei
Usage
Planned city in west Oʻahu, called the island's "second city", with government offices and resorts. It anchors the western end of Skyline
ʻEwa
Ewa
Usage
District in southwest Oʻahu, including the town of ʻEwa Beach. In Hawaiian it also works as a direction word meaning toward the west side of the island. Signs read Ewa
Waiʻanae
Waianae
Usage
District and town on Oʻahu's leeward west coast, backed by the Waiʻanae mountain range along a dry shoreline. Signs read Waianae
Hanauma
Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay
Usage
Bay in a former crater on southeast Oʻahu, a nature preserve popular for snorkeling. Entry is by advance reservation and it is closed certain days
Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay Oahu
Usage
Bay on Oʻahu's North Shore: big surf in winter, calm swimming in summer. A different place from Waimea on Kauaʻi
Kaʻena
Kaena Point
Kaʻena Point
Usage
Westernmost point of Oʻahu, a nature reserve with seabirds and monk seals. The paved road ends short of it and the point is reached on foot only
Koʻolau
Koolau Range
Koʻolau Range
Usage
The knife-edged range running the length of Oʻahu, separating Honolulu from the windward coast; crossed by tunnels and pass roads. It gives the districts Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa their names
Kualoa
Ku-a-lo-a
Usage
Ahupuaʻa on Oʻahu's windward coast with a shoreline park and an inland ranch, facing the islet of Mokoliʻi. Well known as a film location
ʻIolani Palace
Iolani Palace
Usage
Royal palace of the Hawaiian Kingdom in downtown Honolulu, the only royal palace in the United States, now a museum. Visits are by timed tour
Pūowaina
Puowaina Punchbowl
Pūowaina (Punchbowl)
Usage
Crater above downtown Honolulu holding the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, with a lookout over the city. Signs mostly read Punchbowl
Kalākaua
Kalakaua Avenue
Kalākaua Avenue
Usage
Waikīkī's main avenue, lined with hotels and shops and the landmark for bus stops and taxi pickups. Named for King Kalākaua; signs read Kalakaua Ave
Hilo
Hi-lo
Usage
Main city and county seat on the east side of Hawaiʻi Island. Rainy and green, and the base for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Mauna Kea
Kailua-Kona
Kailua Kona
Usage
Town on the sunny west coast of Hawaiʻi Island with resorts and restaurants. The "Kona" is added to distinguish it from Kailua on Oʻahu
Kona
Ko-na
Usage
District name for the west side of Hawaiʻi Island, split into North and South Kona; the Kona coffee region. In Hawaiian the word means the leeward side and is used the same way on other islands
Waimea
Waimea Kamuela Hawaii Island
Waimea (Kamuela)
Usage
Upland ranching town in northern Hawaiʻi Island, noticeably cooler than the coast. Mail uses the name Kamuela to distinguish it from the other Waimeas
Kīlauea
Kilauea
Usage
Active volcano in southeast Hawaiʻi Island and the centerpiece of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Roads and overlooks close depending on eruptive activity; signs read Kilauea
Mauna Loa
Mau-na Lo-a
Usage
Massive active volcano in the middle of Hawaiʻi Island, about 4,169 m high. One of the world's largest volcanoes by volume, its gentle dome covers the southern half of the island
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea Maunakea
Usage
Highest peak in Hawaii at about 4,207 m, a sacred summit that also holds the observatories. Access to the summit area is restricted and requires four-wheel drive because of the road and altitude. Recent usage often spells it as one word, Maunakea
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Usage
National park in southeast Hawaiʻi Island covering Kīlauea and Mauna Loa; a World Heritage site about 45 minutes by car from Hilo. There is an entrance fee and areas close during eruptions
Halemaʻumaʻu
Halemaumau
Usage
Crater inside the Kīlauea caldera, held to be the home of the goddess Pele. Viewpoints open and close with volcanic activity; signs read Halemaumau
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Puuhonua o Honaunau
Usage
National historical park in South Kona, a restored place of refuge with carved images and a massive stone wall. About 40 minutes by car from Kailua-Kona
Kealakekua
Kealakekua Bay
Kealakekua Bay
Usage
Bay in South Kona, a marine life conservation district popular for snorkeling. The far shore by the Cook monument is reachable only on foot or by boat and landing requires a permit
Waipiʻo
Waipio Valley
Waipiʻo Valley
Usage
Deep valley on the Hāmākua coast of Hawaiʻi Island, famous for the view from its lookout. The road down is extremely steep and access to the valley floor is restricted to residents
ʻAkaka Falls
Akaka Falls
Usage
About 135 m waterfall in a state park on the Hāmākua coast north of Hilo, reached by a short paved loop trail. Signs read Akaka Falls
Ka Lae
Ka Lae South Point
Ka Lae (South Point)
Usage
Cape at the southern tip of Hawaiʻi Island and the southernmost point in the fifty states. Windswept cliffs, with the trailhead for the green sand beach nearby
Hāpuna
Hapuna Beach
Hāpuna Beach
Usage
Wide white sand beach on the Kohala coast of Hawaiʻi Island, a state park with parking and facilities. Signs read Hapuna
Waikōloa
Waikoloa
Usage
Resort area on the Kohala coast of Hawaiʻi Island plus an inland village, about 30 minutes north of Kona airport. Signs read Waikoloa
Punaluʻu
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Usage
Black sand beach in the Kaʻū district of Hawaiʻi Island, known for resting sea turtles which must not be approached. A different place from Punaluʻu on Oʻahu
Puna
Pu-na
Usage
District in southeast Hawaiʻi Island south of Hilo, with areas where lava flows have rerouted the roads. Pāhoa is its main town
Kaʻū
Kau
Usage
Large, sparsely settled district covering the south of Hawaiʻi Island, including Ka Lae and Punaluʻu black sand beach. Signs read Kau
Kohala
Ko-ha-la
Usage
District at the north end of Hawaiʻi Island, divided into North and South Kohala. Large resorts line its dry coast, and the far north holds sites connected to Kamehameha I
Hāmākua
Hamakua
Usage
Northeast coastal district of Hawaiʻi Island, a green cliff coast running from Hilo to Waipiʻo Valley through former sugar country. Signs read Hamakua
Kahului
Ka-hu-lu-i
Usage
Town on Maui's north shore holding the airport, the harbor and the big stores; the island's practical hub
Wailuku
Wai-lu-ku
Usage
County seat of Maui County, just west of Kahului and the gateway to ʻĪao Valley
ʻĪao
Iao Valley
ʻĪao Valley
Usage
State monument in west Maui known for the ʻĪao Needle rock spire and as a battlefield in kingdom history. Entry is by advance reservation; signs read Iao Valley
Hāna
Hana
Usage
Town and district at Maui's eastern end, reached by the Hāna Highway with its many curves and one-lane bridges; over two hours each way from Kahului. Signs read Hana
Pāʻia
Paia
Usage
Small town on Maui's north shore at the start of the Hāna Highway, the last practical stop for fuel and food. Signs read Paia
Kīhei
Kihei
Usage
Long strip town on Maui's southwest coast with affordable lodging and a chain of beaches; whales are visible offshore in winter. Signs read Kihei
Wailea
Wai-le-a
Usage
Resort area on Maui's southwest coast south of Kīhei, with upscale hotels, golf courses and a coastal walking path
Lahaina
La-hai-na
Usage
Town on west Maui and a former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Its town center burned in the 2023 wildfire and parts remain closed while rebuilding continues. The Hawaiian spelling is sometimes written Lāhainā
Kāʻanapali
Kaanapali
Usage
Resort area on west Maui north of Lahaina, with hotels lining a long sand beach. Signs read Kaanapali
Molokini
Mo-lo-ki-ni
Usage
Crescent-shaped crater islet off southwest Maui. A marine preserve reached only by tour boat and known for snorkeling
Hoʻokipa
Hookipa
Usage
Beach park near Pāʻia on Maui's north shore, world known for windsurfing; sea turtles rest on the sand in the late afternoon. Signs read Hookipa
Līhuʻe
Lihue
Usage
Town in southeast Kauaʻi and seat of Kauaʻi County, holding the airport and Nāwiliwili Harbor; the island's gateway
Kapaʻa
Kapaa
Usage
Town on Kauaʻi's east shore with plenty of lodging and restaurants and a coastal bike path. The island's worst traffic bottleneck
Hanalei
Ha-na-lei
Usage
Town and bay on Kauaʻi's north shore, known for its taro fields and one-lane bridges. The north shore road dead-ends past here
Poʻipū
Poipu
Usage
Resort area on Kauaʻi's south shore, the sunniest part of the island, with a run of swimmable beaches. Signs read Poipu
Kōloa
Koloa
Usage
Former sugar town and district in southern Kauaʻi, inland from Poʻipū and known for its tree tunnel road. Signs read Koloa
Waimea Canyon
Waimea Canyon Kauai
Usage
State park in west Kauaʻi, a red gorge about 900 m deep called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The lookouts are reached by driving up the mountain road
Kōkeʻe
Kokee
Usage
Upland state park in west Kauaʻi above Waimea Canyon, with lookouts over the Nā Pali coast and hiking trails. Cool at that elevation; signs read Kokee
Hāʻena
Haena
Usage
State park and settlement at the end of the road on Kauaʻi's north shore. Entry and parking require advance reservations, and the Kalalau trailhead is here. Signs read Haena
Kalalau
Ka-la-lau
Usage
Valley and trail on Kauaʻi's Nā Pali coast, a difficult route about 17 km each way from Hāʻena; a permit is required to continue past the early section
Wailua
Wailua Kauai
Usage
District on Kauaʻi's east shore. The Wailua River is one of the few navigable rivers in Hawaii, with boat tours and Wailua Falls. A settlement of the same name also exists on Maui
Waiʻaleʻale
Waialeale
Mount Waiʻaleʻale
Usage
Mountain at the center of Kauaʻi, one of the wettest places on earth, with a summit almost always in cloud. It is not reachable on foot and is usually seen from the air
Kalaupapa
Ka-lau-pa-pa
Usage
Peninsula on the north shore of Molokaʻi where people with Hansen's disease were isolated, preserved as a national historical park. Access is by permit only and visitor numbers are limited
Lānaʻi City
Lanai City
Usage
The only town on Lānaʻi, set on high ground in the middle of the island around a pine-lined square with the island's shops and lodging. Signs read Lanai City
Hulopoʻe
Hulopoe Bay
Hulopoʻe Bay
Usage
Bay on the south shore of Lānaʻi, a marine preserve good for snorkeling and right beside Mānele Harbor. Signs read Hulopoe
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